A passenger on London's Elizabeth line spat in the face of a Transport for London (TfL) worker before fleeing a station after being confronted for fare evasion, police reported. The incident occurred at Ilford station in east London around 5 p.m. on Friday, May 22.
British Transport Police (BTP) are investigating the assault and have released two CCTV images of a woman they believe could have information pertinent to the investigation. According to a BTP statement, the woman entered the station through the ticket barriers without paying. When challenged by a member of TfL staff, she responded by spitting at the employee and then leaving the station.
BTP is appealing for anyone who recognizes the woman to come forward. Information can be provided by texting 61016 or calling 0800 405040, referencing incident number 530 of May 22. Anonymous tips can also be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
This incident comes as TfL has reported an increase in penalty fares issued across its network. In the year leading up to March, 69,001 penalty fares were issued, a 9% increase from the previous year. Additionally, 21,533 cases resulted in reports for possible prosecution, up 19% year-on-year, as TfL continues its crackdown on fare dodging. The organization estimates that approximately 400,000 journeys are evaded daily across the network, leading to an estimated £200 million in lost annual income. The UK train network as a whole loses an estimated £350 million to £400 million annually due to fare evasion and fraud, according to the Rail Delivery Group.
In response to fare evasion, the Department for Transport announced last week plans to install new ticket barriers at railway stations across England. This £33.4 million investment will include taller gates designed to prevent passengers from jumping over them, as well as more standard waist-high gates.
